Does painting an intercooler decrease its efficiency? I seem to remember reading somewhere that it will reduce efficiency by 10%, but I could have imagined that

Or, is there a certain type of paint to use that is designed/good for the job?

Regards

Kev

 

shouldnt think so as the paint is only sitting on the face of the cooler should make no difference at all ?

 

Rubbish. Paint will decrease efficiency - it acts like an insulator and the whole point of an intercooler is to allow heat transfer.

Also adds weight

 

i used nitromors then sprayed with alloy wheel paint,very light coats.

 

Paint is going to act as an insulator on the intercooler core so the heat cant get away as efficiently as it should

 

My thinking was that the paint would act as an insulator but will it have much effect? Enough for me to consider not painting it?

Dave Y - What has been done to your car? do you think it has had a negative effect on your engine?

 

its not as if you are painting everything on the cooler mate ! the air still passes through the intercooler and its still efficient . loads of people paint the intercooler and alot are tuning companys , i think they know what they are doing paint it mate it be fine

 

You could put a photo of a painted intercooler in your scoop so it looks painted

 

Well I don't even have it yet but I think i'll go for it when it arrives, unless somebody can prove it's really not good

Thanks for the input people

 

Pmsl
It would be better to have a painting of it

 

i just used an aerosol can 3 or 4 light coats of alloy wheel paint.i didnt go for a colour change so i didnt need a heavy covering.